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Ultimate Guide to RFID-Blocking Wallets

updated: 1 Apr, 2019

Identity theft & credit card frauds are a massive issue. According to Nasdaq, 46% of Americans have had their credit card information stolen during the past few years.

But, that’s not all! Roughly 21% of Americans had to deal with debit card fraud in the past few years. Unfortunately, grim statistics don’t end here. There is a new victim of identity theft every two seconds! One in 15 consumers became a victim of identity fraud in 2017.

Luckily, you don’t have to become a part of the statistics. You can easily protect your credit card and personal information with one product – an RFID-blocking wallet. Continue reading, and learn all of the facts related to RFID-blocking wallets.

Basic Credit Card Terminology

Before we continue further, we would like to explain some of the basic credit card terminologies. You have probably heard RFID being mentioned, as well as NFC and EMV. While those terms can be daunting at the start, we will show you how easy it is to know more about them.

EMV: These cards store the data on integrated circuits. EMV cards need to be physically inserted into the reader to read information from them. Basically, think of a swipe card that needs to be inserted – that’s an EMV card.

NFC: NFC, or near-field communication, allows two devices to communicate over a short distance. If you have ever swiped your phone to pay for something, you have used NFC technology. An NFC-enabled phone can also be used as a keycard or as an identity document.

Now that you are aware of the basics, read on, and learn what RFID-blocking wallets are, and how to identify the best ones.

How Do Criminals Steal Your Credit Card Information?

You might be thinking that the methods of stealing your valuable information are complex. And, you might think that only a handful of hackers has the ability to steal your information, but you are far from the truth.

Unfortunately, criminals don’t have any problems with stealing credit card information from people who don’t care about security. A device named “skimmer” is the only tool they need, and the worst part is that they don’t even have to physically touch you. Basically, a criminal only has to walk by you to get all of your credit card info. Then they either use a card-magnetizing tool to transfer your data on a new card and then use it for their purchasing needs, or they sell the information online.

A criminal doesn’t even have to be a hacker, nor have any IT knowledge. It is only a matter of purchasing a skimmer, which isn’t expensive, and then the power to steal credit card information is in their hands.

What is an RFID-Blocking Wallet?

An RFID-blocking wallet is, as the name implies, a wallet meant to block RFID signals. The main goal of RFID-blocking wallets is to prevent skimmers from getting to your credit card information.

RFID-blocking wallets are lined with different materials that are proven to block RFID signals. The materials in the wallet block the signal from a skimmer, making it useless against you.

Yes, there are some DIY solutions on the Internet, but we advise you to ignore them. Most of the DIY solutions don’t work, and those that might work will ruin your credit card. Even if you manage to find a solution that works, it is most likely a hassle and doesn’t look nearly as good as a wallet.

So, ignore the DIY solutions, and opt in for a high-quality RFID-blocking wallet. Plenty of the best RFID wallets look amazing because the designers work on the aesthetic aspect as much as they work on the security aspect.

Benefits of Having an RFID-Blocking Wallet

The most obvious benefit is the sense of security that you get. You shouldn’t have to worry about keeping your information safe. The best way to keep your information safe on you is to carry it in an RFID wallet.

You won’t be paranoid about strangers passing you by, and you won’t have to worry about your information being stolen while you are out shipping.

Another benefit that some will find important is the aesthetic aspect of having an RFID wallet. Some of them look absolutely gorgeous, and there are plenty of models out there to suit your taste.

While it is true that most hackers will purchase credit card info online or hack into a database, there are more criminals out there who are not tech-savvy. Unfortunately, criminals don’t have to be tech-savvy to steal your credit card information with a skimmer, and RFID wallets combat those criminals.

Are RFID-Blocking Wallets Expensive?

You know that the price of most products varies, and the same holds true for RFID wallets. Luckily, you can find an awesome RFID wallet for as low as $9. But, it is good to know that there are some that go for more than $100.

Finding the best one is not an easy task since there are hundreds of models out there. We know that finding the best one takes a lot of time, but we took our time to test them out for you. Be sure to check our guide to best RFID-blocking wallets, and you will see that you can easily find the one that suits you.

How to Choose the Best RFID-Blocking Wallet?

While our above-mentioned guide will help you, you still need to make a couple of choices before you opt in for one.

Size: Think about where you will be carrying your new RFID wallet. You wouldn’t want a bulky one during the night out in town, but you also don’t want a tiny one that can’t hold anything inside.

Style: Do you want a cool leather wallet or a futuristic-looking steel one? Do you want an RFID wallet with a quirky design, or are you more into simplicity? Think about what kind of a message you want to send with the style of your wallet, and you will easily decide which one to go for.

Features: If you tend to carry coins around, then go for a wallet with a coin pouch. Perhaps you carry cash around, so go for a model with a zipped compartment. If you are carrying plenty of cards everywhere you go, then go for an RFID wallet with many cards slots.

Animal-friendly: If you dislike genuine leather, then you will be happy to know that there are plenty of RFID wallets on the market made from synthetic materials.

Final Words

We live in a time when technology is advancing at a steady pace. But, criminals are up to date with the latest technology trends, and they will use them against you. Every software protection gets hacked, sooner or later. Every piece of technology can be exploited, but there is no reason for doom and gloom.

Luckily, there is an easy way to protect your valuable information by using an RFID-blocking wallet. Even if a criminal never tries to steal your information with a skimmer, you will have the privilege of feeling safe and looking good while doing it.

Nowadays, it would be foolish to simply allow criminals access to all of your personal information. If we protect ourselves, then it doesn’t matter if criminals are exploiting every piece of technology out there.

We hope that you’re going to make a smart choice by fighting criminals the best way – with technology that keeps your information safe.